Cultural Language Teacher

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc; Kamloops; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant community organization in Canada seeks a Cultural Language Teacher to teach Secwepemctsín through cultural activities. The role involves planning language programs and creating a supportive learning environment. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree related to First Nations Language and relevant teaching experience. This full-time position offers starting wages between $30.53 and $36.91 per hour, depending on education and experience, with additional benefits including extended health and pension matching.

Benefits

Extended health, dental, and vision

7.6% Registered Pension Plan matching

Qualifications

• Minimum of three to five years teaching Secwepemctsín experience.
• Professional experience teaching Secwepemctsín.
• Certified Language Teacher with the Ministry of Education’s Teacher Regulation Branch is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Teach the Secwépemc language through culture, music, and activities.
• Plan and deliver language and culture programs.
• Create a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Skills

Promote Secwepemctsín

Visionary leadership

Relationship building

Program management

Curriculum development knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a First Nations Language or related field with Secwepemctsín Proficiency Certificate

Job description

JOB POSTING

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) is a fast-growing vibrant organization committed to the development and progress of its Band Members and Community. As such, the TteS invites applications from qualified, highly motivated and dynamic individuals to fill the following position.

Position Title

Cultural Language Teacher

Department

Education Division

Supervisor

Little Fawn Nursery Administrator

Terms

Full-Time, Permanent

Reference #

2026-007

Purpose of Position

This position is responsible for teaching the Secwépemc language through culture, music, dance, and other activities that best meet the social and educational needs within the Little Fawn Nursery (LFN). This includes working towards using 100% Secwepemctsín in the infant/toddler, 3-5 and Preschool rooms.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Directs the planning and delivery of Secwépemc language and culture programs and support services at Little Fawn Nursery, including planning and implementing inter-generational and lifelong language, history and cultural learning opportunities by working in collaboration with others. (95%)
2. Plans, develops and implements Secwépemc language programs that are stimulating, safe, nurturing, predictable and encourages children’s holistic growth and development.
3. Develops language and culture learning plans, resources, curriculum, goals, objectives and LFN staff language work plans.
4. Ensures the efficient, inclusive and effective development and delivery of Secwépemc language and culture activities and services to LFN children and staff.
5. Teach customized Secwépemc language lessons to parents/guardians.
6. Maintains positive behaviour classroom management.
7. Promotes and enhances the integrity of the Western Dialect of Secwepemctsín.
8. Ensures that sufficient resources are obtained and made available for implementing language and culture programs and services at LFN.
9. Writes and produces new Secwepemctsín learning materials, including audio and visual resources.
10. Organizes and engages in social and cultural activities.
11. Participates in parent/guardian conferences as needed.
12. Monitor and assess children’s Secwepemctsín and cultural learning.
13. Ensures that the rooms within LFN are speaking Secwepemctsín.
14. Teaches Secwépemc cultural teachings, songs, storytelling, dances, and other activities.
15. Creates a happy, caring, creative, respectful, safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment for children.
16. Fosters positive social interactions amongst the children and supervises all new children’s integration into their program.
17. Maintains a positive relationship with the parents or guardians by encouraging them to participate in the programs.
18. Actively advocates for the Western Dialect and help advance Secwepemctsín so that more children, families and staff learn Secwepemctsín.
19. Maintains current knowledge of all emergency policies and procedures for evacuations and fire drills and, if necessary, record any relevant information.
20. Promotes the nursery center, its activities and assists in any fund-raising activities.
21. Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Tk’emlups Indian Band (TteS) policies, standards, and procedures.
22. Maintains confidentiality on all matters relating to the affairs of the Education Department and the TteS.
23. Other related duties as required. (5%)

Professional Certification, Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in a First Nations Language or a degree in related field with a Secwepemctsín Proficiency Certificate.
• Minimum of three to five years teaching Secwepemctsín experience, with preference given to those with Early Childhood Education Experience.
• Professional experience teaching Secwepemctsín.
• Certified Language Teacher with the Ministry of Education’s Teacher Regulation Branch is an asset.
• Certified Early Childhood Educator Assistant with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, or willingness to obtain certification.

Supervision or Training Duties

This position may be required to supervise children’s safety and ensure provincial childcare licensing regulations are met while supervising them. This position is also responsible for training, mentoring, and further developing existing LFN staff with speaking and using Secwépemctsín in daily activities.

Skills and Abilities

• Able to promote, restore and advance Secwepemctsín through various activities, services and programs.
• Visionary leader who is passionate about language and culture and works in collaboration with others.
• Be responsible and reliable and make positive and respectful relationships with children and elders.
• Ability to plan, develop and manage language and culture programs.
• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction development for early childhood education and Secwépemc language, history, and culture.

Special Requirements

Understanding and knowledge of Secwépemc culture, customs, traditions, protocols and challenges. Must be high-intermediate in reading, writing and speaking Secwepemctsín. Must have the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with our Language and Culture Department and Secwépemc Elders.

Knowledge & Competencies

• Extensive, firsthand knowledge of Secwépemc language, history, culture, customs, traditions, protocols, and challenges.
• High-intermediate fluency in Secwepemctsín; competent in reading, writing, and speaking the Western Dialect.
• Strong knowledge of provincial and federal language and culture funding programs.
• Clear understanding of teaching methodology and resource and curriculum development with a First Nations language.

Conditions of Employment

• Must have a minimum level of high-intermediate fluency as evaluated by a panel of fluent Secwepemctsín speakers.
• Must be able to pass a Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Section.
• Must have a valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and clean driver’s abstract.
• Must have reliable and insured transportation.
• Must be at least 19 years of age due to childcare regulations.

Benefits

• Extended health, dental, and vision
• 7.6% Registered Pension Plan (RPP) matching and Life insurance

HOURS OF WORK

Normal Day shifts - 7 hours. Non-normal shifts may be required.

PAY GRADE

Starting at $30.53-$36.91/hour depending on education & experience

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights code, it is TteS Policy to practice preferential hiring for Aboriginal peoples. Candidates who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify.

Deadline for the Job posting is January 20th, 2026 by 2:00pm

Submit Job Application Form, cover letter, resume, and references

online: https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

or at our Human Resources office #320 Chief Alex Thomas Way.

Office Hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm &

closed for lunch from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

We require each applicant to fill out an online application form which can be found at: https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

Any late submissions or submissions without the job application form will not be considered.